Question:
We read your article about "empathosphere" in our local paper. It was fascinating because we have a similar story. Four years ago, a dear close friend of ours was confined to a nursing home, because diabetes had led to the amputation of both legs. She was an extremely likable person, humorous and, even in that situation, enjoyed visitors. Our daughter Julie, at that time, had a sweet, obedient, affectionate Shih Tzu/poodle mix named Chrissie. Dogs were welcome at Sharon's nursing home, and Julie took Chrissie when she visited. Chrissie would unerringly run through the maze of hallways to get to Sharon's room, where she would jump up on the bed and lie close to Sharon. We know these visits were bright spots for Sharon.
Sadly, Sharon died suddenly around Easter in 2006. After the funeral mass the next Tuesday, many of us made our way to a pretty little cemetery where she was to be buried. Julie took Chrissie with her. Julie took the leash off and Chrissie explored a bit, then went to that platform, jumped up on the narrow ledge, and lied down beside the coffin. She stayed there until the ceremony was finished and we started to our cars. It was a precious, sweet memory that we talk about to this day.
M.J.K., Rogersville, Mo Feb 21, 2010
Answer:
Many readers will appreciate your story of the dog's loving concern and evident awareness of your friend's illness and death. We should never underestimate the emotional intelligence of our animal companions who often know more than we can ever know. Just because they cannot talk, doesn't mean that they are not as aware of our environments as we are. While recently giving in-home hospice care to my father-in-law Jim Krantz, our dog Batman was clearly concerned and lay quietly across his body on the bed. The attending nurse said that many dogs are especially attuned to what is going on at such times.
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